Spicy Cowboy Candy: Homemade Candied Jalapeños

Saddle up, cowboy! Get ready to wrangle some flavor with this irresistible recipe for Cowboy Candy Candied Jalapeños. These sweet, spicy, and tangy candied jalapeños are like little slices of heaven that will add a kick to any dish. Whether you’re topping burgers, nachos, or simply snacking straight from the jar, these homemade treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The syrup in this recipe is infused with a blend of ginger, coriander, and garlic, creating layers of flavor that will leave you craving more. Perfect for cookouts, game day spreads, or simply elevating your everyday meals, Cowboy Candy has a way of disappearing faster than you can imagine. Trust me, once you try these candied jalapeños, you’ll be hooked!

Keep a jar of Cowboy Candy in the fridge to enjoy its bold flavors and glossy finish anytime. Experiment with different peppers for varied heat levels or swap apple cider vinegar for a sharper tang. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking to add some flair to your dishes, Cowboy Candy Candied Jalapeños are guaranteed to spice up your life in the most delicious way possible.

Quick Benefits

• Adds a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to dishes
• Versatile topping for burgers, nachos, sandwiches, or cheese boards
• Can be easily customized to adjust the heat level by removing some seeds
• Long-lasting flavor that stays bold and syrup keeps everything moist and glossy

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cowboy Candy: Homemade Candied Jalapeños Recipe

• Versatile Flavor Combination: The sweet, spicy, and tangy profile of Cowboy Candy makes it a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from burgers to cornbread.
• Addictive Taste: Once you try a bite of this candied jalapeños, you won’t be able to stop. The combination of flavors is so irresistible that you’ll keep coming back for more.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Cowboy Candy is a hit at gatherings – whether it’s a cookout, game day spread, or a Friday night nacho bar. Your guests will love the tangy, spicy bite it adds to their food.
• Easy to Store: The tightly sealed jar of Cowboy Candy can be kept in the fridge, and the flavors only get bolder with time. It’s a convenient and delicious addition to your pantry.
• Endless Serving Ideas: From barbecue sandwiches to mayo spreads, grilled pork to creamy grits, Cowboy Candy can elevate any dish. It’s a versatile condiment that adds a pop of flavor to your favorite meals.
• Homemade Charm: This homespun Southern preserve brings a touch of tradition and flair to your kitchen. It’s a special treat that will impress your friends and family.
• Fast Disappearing Act: Once you make a batch of Cowboy Candy, don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you think. Its unique flavor profile will have everyone reaching for more.

Ingredients for Spicy Cowboy Candy: Homemade Candied Jalapeños

Syrup Base

• 0.3 millilitres ground allspice
• 2.5 millilitres ground ginger
• 1.25 millilitres ground coriander
• 220 grams packed light brown sugar
• 240 millilitres apple cider vinegar
• 2.5 millilitres granulated garlic
• 2.5 millilitres Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1.25 millilitres pickling salt
• 150 grams granulated sugar
• 1.25 millilitres ground turmeric

Chiles

• 455 grams mixed green and red jalapeño chiles, stemmed, unseeded, sliced 6 millimetres thick (approx. 5 cups)

Pro Tips for Spicy Cowboy Candy: Homemade Candied Jalapeños

Pro Tip #1: To enhance the flavors of your Cowboy Candy, let the mixture simmer and reduce until it reaches a syrupy consistency. This will help concentrate the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making each jalapeño slice burst with deliciousness.

Pro Tip #2: Experiment with different types of peppers to customize the heat level of your Cowboy Candy. Serranos or other hot chiles can be used for a spicier kick, while milder peppers can be incorporated for a more subtle heat. Remember, leaving some jalapeño seeds in will amp up the spiciness.

Pro Tip #3: For the best results, allow your Cowboy Candy to sit in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours before diving in. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and flavorful final product. Enjoy your candied jalapeños on a variety of dishes like burgers, nachos, sandwiches, or as a unique addition to your cheese board.

How to Make Spicy Cowboy Candy: Homemade Candied Jalapeños

Step 1: Prepare Syrup

In a large saucepan, mix apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, ground ginger, granulated garlic, ground coriander, turmeric, and allspice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until sugars dissolve and mixture thickens slightly, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Jalapeños

Add sliced jalapeños to the syrup and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until jalapeños are glossy, softened, slightly shrunken, and deepened in color, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 3: Pack Chiles

Take the pan off the heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chiles to a sanitized 500-milliliter canning jar, packing them tightly by tapping or pressing gently.

Step 4: Reduce Syrup

Transfer the remaining syrup back to the saucepan and boil over high heat. Stir occasionally and cook until reduced and thickened to around 240 milliliters, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 5: Jar and Store

Pour the hot syrup over the chiles, leaving a 6mm headspace. Remove any extra syrup, seal with a lid, and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Storage Tips

To store Cowboy Candy candied jalapeños, it is recommended to keep them in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator. The flavors remain bold, and the syrup helps to keep the jalapeños moist and glossy even after opening. For longer storage, you have the option to properly can the jars in a boiling water bath, but making smaller batches that are consumed quickly is also a common approach due to the popularity of this condiment.

Refrigerating Cowboy Candy for at least 48 hours allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. This candied jalapeño treat is versatile and can be used as a topping for various dishes like burgers, nachos, sandwiches, or cheese boards. Feel free to experiment with different types of hot chilies if you don’t have red and green jalapeños. Whether enjoyed straight from the jar or used to elevate your favorite meals, Cowboy Candy is sure to add a delightful blend of sweet heat to your culinary creations.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white vinegar can be used as a substitute for Cowboy Candy. The white vinegar will provide a sharper tang that pairs well with sharper cheeses or charcuterie. Remember to adjust the sweetness level accordingly if using white vinegar, as it may have a stronger flavor compared to apple cider vinegar.

For those who prefer a milder heat level, you can remove some of the seeds from the jalapeños before slicing them. This adjustment will help control the spiciness of the Cowboy Candy without sacrificing the sweet and tangy flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with the amount of seeds left in the jalapeños to customize the heat level to your liking.

If you don’t have a mix of green and red jalapeños, feel free to use any hot chili pepper available, such as serranos. Different types of chili peppers can be substituted to adjust the heat level and flavor profile of the Cowboy Candy. Just keep in mind that the type of chili pepper used will impact the overall spiciness and flavor of the final product.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try adding a few slices of Cowboy Candy Candied Jalapeños on top of a creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese for a spicy and sweet kick. The tangy and flavorful syrup will infuse the dish with a unique twist that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Another fun way to enjoy Cowboy Candy is to chop it up finely and mix it into a homemade guacamole for a delicious and unexpected flavor combination. The sweet heat from the candied jalapeños will elevate the guacamole to a whole new level, making it a standout appetizer at your next gathering.

FAQs for Spicy Cowboy Candy: Homemade Candied Jalapeños

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in this recipe?

Absolutely, you can use white vinegar as a substitute for apple cider vinegar if you prefer a sharper tang in your Cowboy Candy. It works well, especially for pairing with sharper cheese or charcuterie.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the Cowboy Candy?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by removing some of the seeds from the jalapeños for a milder flavor. Leaving the seeds in will keep the heat level higher.

How long should I refrigerate the Cowboy Candy before enjoying it?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to refrigerate the Cowboy Candy for at least 48 hours before enjoying it. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.

What are some serving suggestions for Cowboy Candy?

There are various ways to enjoy Cowboy Candy, such as using it as a topping for burgers, nachos, sandwiches, or cheese boards. You can also stir it into mayo for a zippy burger spread, serve it alongside grilled pork, or fold it into cornbread or melt it onto pizza for a unique twist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cowboy Candy Candied Jalapeños is a versatile and addictive treat that will elevate any dish with its sweet heat and tangy flair. Whether you enjoy it on burgers, nachos, sandwiches, or even straight from the jar, this homemade delight is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, gather your fresh jalapeños and whip up a batch of Cowboy Candy to experience the irresistible flavors that this Southern preserve has to offer. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly – its delicious taste and versatility make it a crowd favorite at any gathering. Embrace the sweet and spicy magic of Cowboy Candy Candied Jalapeños and add a touch of Southern charm to your meals!